Originally published in the California Focus March 2011

Greetings from the California Area Public Library.

In the past few weeks the news has been abuzz with the President’s new budget. I think many of us would agree that the government needs to spend cautiously, part of that is prioritizing the services that we receive, how those services are funded and looking at their efficiency. As you may have guessed, these cuts will directly affect libraries across the country. The proposed budget would cut $20 million from current funding for libraries. I understand that there is a need for many services funded through government money, but libraries provide a variety of quintessential services that are important to maintaining an educated citizenry.

Let’s look at the services a library provides. Essentially it is all about information. We provide free access to a wide range of books, magazines, journals, newspapers and various other types of media. We have computers with a range of software that can be used for helping find jobs, personal research, polishing that last minute work project, completing homework assignments or just surfing the internet and making a few online purchases. We provide free Wi-Fi connection for devices that are properly equipped. We have Story Time up to four times a month so children can come in and have some fun, hopefully building a foundation of love for reading and learning (and giving Mom and Dad a little, much deserved break.) We have trained staff that you can turn to when you need answers to questions. Anything from locating the proper tax forms and genealogy to academic research and homework help. If we cannot find the answer, we can at least give you some resources that will help you track it down. Libraries serve as community centers for the young and old alike providing a safe haven to pursue their interests in an environment that encourages personal growth, socialization and enlightenment.

People often stop by, grab a few books or DVDs, use the computers to access the internet, use the free Wi-Fi, or bring their children in for Story Time; but when was the last time you considered how we provide services to the community at little to no cost? We rely on generous contributions from the people we serve, area businesses, the local governments as well as state and federal funding. Some years are better than others, but whenever a segment of our support system is forced to make cuts it seriously affects the library, and by extension the community at large.

Now let’s look at the efficiency of the library system, or the return on investment (ROI). A 2004 study found Pennsylvania had 630 libraries that serve almost 12 million people. The libraries had over 40 million visits, 40% of them from children. They also discovered that for every tax dollar invested $5.50 in benefits was provided. Without our public libraries there would be an economic loss of $1.3 billion dollars. In the month of January alone the California Public Library provided services that would have cost approximately $8,792 if you had to purchase them.

As you can see, public libraries are well worth the money that is generously donated to support our mission, but just as important as the financial aspects of the issue is the idea of support in general. We exist to provide you with services, and our goal should be to not only to have the information available but to provide an opportunity for the community to expand its horizons. Next month I hope to discuss how you can help us achieve that goal.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Brian K Dawson
Library Director
California Area Public Library

Phone: 724- 938-2907
E-mail: libdirector.cpl@gmail.com
Facebook: search for us by California Area Public Library or http://www.facebook.com/pages/California-Area-Public-Library/150095455042296
Twitter: @directorcpl

Originally published in the California Focus February 2011

Greetings from the California Area Public Library.

Every New Year seems to bring change, and that extends to all aspects of the community. Here at the C.P.L. we have seen retirements, new faces behind the circulation desk and as always new books, magazines and services.

I am one of the many changes you will be seeing here at the library. My name is Brian Dawson, and I am the new library director. I was appointed by the board of directors and began serving the community on December 27th. I have a degree from Seton Hill University in communications and political science and am in the process of completing my Master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh. Professionally I bring years of experience and leadership from working in public safety and operations management.

I hope to provide stability and organization to the library. My primary goal is to establish the library as a hub of the community where people can come to learn, exchange ideas, be entertained, and seek assistance. I believe a library is a vital part of any community, and I truly believe CPL can serve that purpose. In order to achieve this CPL needs to grow; increasing the membership, circulation of materials among all demographics, the collection and the services we provide to the community. Ultimately this is your library, it will be as successful as you want it to be, but it does require effort, your support, input and time.

For CPL to be successful we need to communicate. What are your needs? What books and services would you like to see being offered through the library? Your suggestions and ideas will always be welcome. I want to accommodate as many people as possible and to communicate with all of you. We have established a few tools to help us get you the information you want, and for you to provide us feedback. We have a new Facebook page, a Twitter account, e-mail and of course you can always stop in for a chat.

We are also looking for volunteers to help reestablish the Friends of the California Area Public Library Association. So much of our history at CPL originates from the hard work and determination of Friends, it would be a great asset to see this kind of support as we begin to build the future of the library. If you are interested please contact us. We are also trying to gauge community support for a book club, if you would like to participate please contact us.

In my few weeks here I have had the pleasure of getting to meet some of you and learning about the community and its rich history. All I can say is I love it! People have been very welcoming and so helpful. I wanted to thank everyone (especially the board of directors) for giving me this opportunity to serve you, the organization and the community. I cannot tell you how excited I am to be here and have many ideas to further the library and community. I am passionate about the library and assure you I have the best interest of CPL at heart and will treat it with dignity and respect.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Brian K Dawson
Library Director
California Area Public Library

Phone: 724- 938-2907
E-mail: libdirector.cpl@gmail.com
Facebook: search for us by California Area Public Library or http://www.facebook.com/pages/California-Area-Public-Library/150095455042296
Twitter: @directorcpl

I would like to thank Beth Baxter, editor of the California Focus, for generously giving me permission to post my monthly columns from the paper on the internet.